A New Inflammatory Marker: Elevated Monocyte to HDL Cholesterol Ratio Associated with Smoking

Abstract

Objectives: The adverse effects of smoking in various pathologies are mediated by its effects on the inflammatory system. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) has recently emerged as an indicator of inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR and cigarette smoking. Patients and Methods: Three hundred and ninety seven consecutive participants who smoke and 515 healthy subjects with no history of smoking enrolled in the study. Complete blood count parameters and lipid profile were analyzed in all study participants. Smoking habits were calculated as pack.years and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Results: MHR levels were significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (respectively, 15.71 (12.02–20.00) and 11.17 (8.50–14.16), p < 0.0001)). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a weak but positive correlation between pack.year and MHR in the smokers group, and there was a moderate positive correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked daily and MHR in the group. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses, it was determined that a MHR value >13.00 measured in smoker participants at application had a predictive specificity of 66.6% and sensitivity of 70.0% for smoking (area under the curve [AUC] 0.729, 95% CI 0.696, 0.762; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Elevated MHR is associated with cigarette smoking and may be a useful indicator of a systemic inflammatory response in smokers. Smoker participants who have high MHR levels can easily be identified during routine complete blood count (CBC) analysis and could possibly benefit from preventive treatment.

Predictive value of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio for the estimation of diabetes mellitus risk: Insights from a general population

“…When using MHR as an indicator of the risk of diabetes, a higher MHR value means a higher risk of diabetes, and there is no threshold or saturation effect for this association. A recent study shows that MHR levels are linked to smoking [56], There are also reports in the literature that smoking is linked to diabetes [57]. However, in our data, the strong correlation between elevated MHR and diabetes was independent current smoking status.…”

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio: a prognostic factor for mitral valve prolapse?

“…A new prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease, the ratio of monocytes to high-density lipoprotein (MHR), has recently been recommended and could be used as an indicator of infl ammation. Elevated MHR levels were associated with cigarette smoking , obesity and muscular bridge diagnosed with coronary anjiography (4,14,15). The activation of monocytes and their differentiated forms into lipid-laden machropages plays a signifi cant role in the promotion of immune defense and also drives infl ammation and cardiovascular disease (1,3,9).…”

Impact of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio on prevalent hyperuricemia: findings from a rural Chinese population

“…In contrast, HDL-C protects endothelial cells from oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating monocytes activation and monocyte progenitors proliferation, and preventing monocytes assembly into the arterial wall [12][13][14]. High monocyte counts and low HDL-C levels have been shown to be positively associated with inflammation [17][18][19]. Therefore, while monocytes play a pro-inflammatory role, HDL-C functions as a reverse factor in the inflammatory process.…”